Blood plasma can be donated once a week. In comparison, units of whole blood can only be donated once every eight weeks.

Plasma is the protein-rich liquid in blood that helps other blood components circulate in the body. Plasma donations are used to help patients with some bleeding disorders, liver diseases, some operations, cancer and bone marrow therapy.

Gould's donation record impresses 19-year-old Ethan McLeod, who was the youngest person in attendance at Canadian Blood Services in Saint John when Gould made his 800th plasma donation on Tuesday.

"It's just crazy to think of the amount of time that would take, like it's just insane because you can only do it every week or two," said McLeod. "The dedication. I mean it's just awesome to see somebody stick with what they believe in for so long."

Canadian Blood Services says for every 100 Canadians who are eligible to donate blood, fewer than four actually do.